The G:2014 Sporting Heritage Tours launch, held at Glasgow’s prestigious City Chambers on 26 March 2013, was a superb opportunity to showcase the Scottish Tourist Guides Association’s unique celebration of Glasgow’s journey to hosting the friendly games in 2014.

Welcomed by Baillie Colleran, on behalf of Lord Provost Sadie Docherty, members of the Scottish tourism industry, representatives of Commonwealth countries, Glasgow 2014 organisers and sponsors were given an opportunity to experience firsthand the added value of discovering a city’s heritage with a local guide – even when it’s a city you know well!

Shona Robison MSP Minister for Sport and Commonwealth Games, gave an inspirational address, highlighting that “the Commonwealth Games coming to Scotland provides an unrivalled opportunity to make our nation healthier, help our businesses to prosper and celebrate our modern and vibrant culture both at home and on the world stage.

Scotland is proud of its sporting heritage.  The Glasgow 2014 Sporting Heritage Tours will be an important part of the visitor experience in the lead up to 2014, providing a unique way to showcase the special sporting heritage of this city, in what will undoubtedly be a great year for Glasgow.”

Following the reception at the City Chambers, guests were taken for a tour of Glasgow’s sporting connections in vintage style on the iconic Red Bus.  Maggie McCann, STGA Blue Badge guide and driving force behind the creation of the STGA G:2014 Sporting Heritage coach and walking tours was delighted with the launch event.  “We’ve had fantastic feedback from our guests today and it’s wonderful to see how much people have enjoyed re-discovering the city from another angle!”

Glasgow is already one of Scotland’s unmissable destinations; STGA tours are a unique way of discovering the city’s multi-faceted heritage and they’re not just for visitors to the country.  “We’ll be reaching out to schools and educational groups to give them the opportunity to experience these tours – we’re committed to upholding the Glasgow Legacy and we’ll be continuing to run these tours well beyond 2014.”

For more information about booking a step-on guide, or other ways of discovering Glasgow with a local guide, contact the STGA Bookings on bookings@stga.co.uk or +44 (0)1786 451953